Chrysler displays 'Terrific Two' at Middle East Motor Show

Chrysler's terrific two are the new Concorde Ltd, which will play a key role as the brand's most luxurious family sedan, and the Grand Cherokee Overland, the 60-year-old brand's fastest ever Jeep.

"The Chrysler Concorde Limited brings an elegant, yet stunning style to the full-size segment. It has both the ride and agility of a mid-size car with all the room and premium amenities of a larger sedan and should be much loved by large families in this region," said David Glorius, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Director Chrysler Jeep and Dodge, Middle East.

The new 2002 Chrysler Concorde adopts the elegant exterior of the 2001 Chrysler LHS with its bold egg-crate grille design and chrome edging, quad projector headlamps, body style moulding and rear fascia with the prominent Chrysler winged badge.

Under the Limited's hood there's a powerful all-aluminium 24-Valve 3.5 litre V6 engine that produces 235 brake horsepower.

This high-output engine offers more torque and horsepower than any normally aspirated engine in its class thanks to computer simulation that maximises air flows resulting in a higher output per litre.

The touring suspension delivers crisp handling while maintaining the exceptional ride qualities expected from a premium luxury sedan. Variable-assist speed-sensitive power steering gives outstanding response and precision under all driving conditions.

Inside the new Concorde Limited there's room to comfortably seat five adults in the leather-trimmed seats.

Important features include anti-lock brakes and low-speed traction control, new eight-way power front seats with a personalised memory system for the driver, automatic temperature control air conditioning, dynamic side-impact protection and a vehicle theft security system with Sentry Key engine immobiliser.

The Grand Cherokee Overland is a new version of the luxury Grand Cherokee, the Middle East's popular award-winning Jeep brand flagship, that has sold over 10,000 units in the region over the last six years.

"This is our most powerful Jeep vehicle yet. It's capable of accelerating from 0 - 100 kilometres per hour in just 8.3 seconds," said Glorius. "That's quick, much quicker than our Japanese and British competitors, and compares extremely favourably with more recently launched Sports Activity Vehicles that, unlike Jeep, are not truly off-road capable."

Jeep engineers have produced a new high output version of the Grand Cherokee's 235 brake horsepower, V8, 4.7 litre engine increasing the power by 15 per cent to 260 brake horsepower and giving it 12 per cent more torque ­ now a massive 330 foot pounds.

The Jeep Overland comes with 17-inch machine rim aluminium wheels, metallic painted side rock rails and unique front and rear fascias.

Inside there's a high level of standard equipment and luxury appointments now enhanced by Redwood Burl wood accents, premium suede and leather and 'Overland' embroidered floor mats

"This really is a luxury vehicle which meets the needs of those Middle East drivers who desire comfort and on-road performance yet still want the legendary off-road ability they have come to expect from a Jeep," added Glorius.

Also on display will be the recently launched all-new Jeep Cherokee.

The result of a US$ 1.7 billion development programme, the new Cherokee, available in Sport and Limited Edition versions, includes features designed for the Middle East market such as its innovative hybrid cooling system and special ABS braking sensors and calibration for off-road driving.

The hybrid cooling system combines engine-driven and electric fans to produce best-in-class engine cooling and passenger compartment comfort while operating more quietly than an engine-driven fan alone when cooling demand is low as in slow desert driving.

The enhanced three-channel ABS system is similar to the one used on the Grand Cherokee and includes subtle refinements that provide for quieter operation and less pedal pulsing.

For off-road use, when the vehicle is operated in four-wheel-drive Low, the system allows some wheel lock-up during hard braking on slippery surfaces to improve stopping power.

New active electrically powered wheel speed sensors also minimise brake lock-up at low speeds. This is particularly important when descending steep desert dunes.

The all-new Jeep Cherokee was created to expand the strength of the formidable Jeep brand that has led all 4x4 vehicles during its illustrious 60-year history.

Not just for traditional Jeep customers, the Cherokee is also ideal for a new generation of 4x4 buyers who want a combination of on-road refinement and off-road ruggedness.

"True to the heritage and reputation of the Jeep brand, Cherokee is a 'can do' vehicle that stands far apart from the new generation of less capable 'make do' 4x4s currently on the market. With the new Cherokee, drivers can definitely 'Do More' on and off-road," said Glorius.

Chrysler and Trading Enterprises, the sole dealer for Chrysler and Dodge vehicles in the UAE and the Jeep dealer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, will also display the Middle East's youngest car line.

This includes the recently launched seven-seater Grand Voyager minivan, the five-time winner of the annual LBC/Sport Auto 'Minivan of the Year' award, that has led its segment in the region since its launch in the early 90s, the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Neon and the 'Do anything, Go anywhere' Jeep Wrangler and the bold and powerful Dodge Durango.